tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
AB1227 ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS ABOUT LOW BACK PAIN OF TUNISIAN PATIENTS: A KEY PREDICTOR OF RECOVERY
Authors: A. Fazaa, M. Ben Messaoud, S. Miladi, H. Boussaa, L. Souabni, K. Ouenniche, S. Kassab, S. Chekili, K. Ben Abdelghani, A. Laatar
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem related with significant disability and psychosocial dysfunction. Unhelpful beliefs about it are associated with higher levels of pain and may cause a delay in recovery due to unsuitable behaviours. Therefore, studies targeting these beliefs are necessary to modulate messages delivered to the population in order to decrease the burden of LBP. Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the attitudes and beliefs in the management of patients with LBP. Methods We applied a cross sectional study including Tunisian patients with LBP. The arabic version of Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (10-item Back-PAQ) was used to evaluate back beliefs as a clinical screening tool. We analysed patients’ attitudes in 5 domains: vulnerability of the back (items 1 and 2), relationship between back pain and injury (items 3 and 4), activity participation during back pain (items 5 and 6), psychological influences on back pain (items 7 and 8), prognosis of back pain (items 9 and 10). For each item, the scale ranges from “False” to “True” which is the option that represents unhelpful beliefs for recovery. Intermediate labels are: “Possibly False”, “Unsure”, “Possibly True”. Responses were scored from −2 (“True”) to +2 (“False”). Unhelpful beliefs attract negative scores and vice versa. Results The questionnaire was completed by 32 participants (27 women and 5 men) with a mean age of 56.6 years [45-69]. The mean LBP’s duration was 9.1 years [2-28]. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 29.4 [25.5-46.8]. The mean Schober’s Test and Fingertip-to-floor (FTF) were respectively 2.8 [1.5-4] and 13.2 [0-50]. The mean Visual Analogue Scale of pain (VAS pain) was estimated at 69 [40-100]. The mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short form Health Survey (SF36) were 42.4 [28-66] and 48.3 [20-80] respectively. Unhelpful beliefs were widespread. The mean Back-PAQ-10 score was -4 [-13 -3]. Women had significantly a lower score compared to men (-4.1 [-13-2] versus -1.6 [-5-3]) (p=0.01). Vulnerability of the back had an average score of -2[-3-1]. The relationship between back pain and injury had a mean score of –2.4 [-4-0]. The activity participation during back pain had a mean score of -4 [-4-1]. The psychological influences and prognosis of back pain had an average score of -2[-3-0] and -1.6[-2-3] respectively. Conclusion The results of this survey reveal that Tunisian patients have high levels of negative beliefs about LBP. As beliefs and attitudes have been recognised as significant predictors of recovery from LBP, we should promote cognitive behavioural therapy aiming at coping with unhelpful beliefs. Disclosure of Interests None declared
AB1092 INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIDES IN POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS: AN ALBANIAN EXPERIENCE.
Authors: A. Pecani, J. Tula, L. Karaulli, A. Islamaj, S. Bala
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background COVID-19 is a disease caused by the new pathogen SARS-CoV2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) typically presenting with pneumonia but also other systemic manifestation has been reported worldwide [1]. Different reports have described the appearance of inflammatory arthritis (IA) after resolution of acute infection from COVID-19 [2]. Objectives To observe the frequency of Inflammatory Arthritis in an Albanian cohort of post-COVID-19 patients. Methods Post-Covid-19 patients, having two consecutive negative PCR (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), discharged from the Pulmonology Department (January – July 2021) were invited to enter in a 6 (six) month multidisciplinary observational study. Data regarding post-COVID-19 inflammatory arthritis are presented in this study. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to express data. Results From 154 post-COVID-19 patients (F/M = 62/92) enrolled, 14 (9.09%) patients didn’t follow regularly the dedicated ambulatory thus were excluded from this study. Considering the remaining 140 patients (F/M = 58/82), only 21 (15%) patients were diagnosed with IA where the most common were, respectively: Reactive Arthritis (ReA) 11 (52.3%) patients; Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) 4 (19.09%) patients; Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) 3 (14.2%) patients; Gout Arthritis (GA) 3 (14.2%) patients. All rheumatic conditions were more frequent in male than in female post-COVID-19 patients. Data summarized in Table 1. All patients that developed a post COVID-19 IA, had fever during the period of SARS-CoV2 infection. Arthralgia was a typical symptom that have been reported by patients that have developed RA and AS. All RA post-Covid-19 patients reported having had even symptoms like cough, dispnea and fatigue. None of the AS patients neither GA reported symptoms of dysguesia or anosmia. Only 9% of ReA patients reported having had abdominal pain during acute infection with SARS-Cov2. Data summarized in Figure 1. Table 1. Inflammatory Arthritis Patients (N, %) Age (mean ± SD) Male (N, %) Days after COVID-19 (mean ± SD) ReA 11 (52.3) 48.2 ± 12.5 7 (63.6) 15.8 ± 9.9 RA 4 (19,09) 55.7 ± 8.7 2 (50) 32.3 ± 11.3 AS 3 (14.2) 50.5 ± 9.7 2 (14.2) 18.8 ± 5.5 GA 3 (14.2) 55.3 ± 1.2 3 (100) 10.6 ± 0.9 Conclusion IA is another manifestation that follows acute infection from COVID-19. In this regard increased awareness and further investigations are needed in order to better understand weather SARS-Cov2 infection can accelerate the development of a rheumatic autoimmune disease. References [1]Mahajan RK, Paul G, Mahajan R, Gautam PL, Paul B. Systemic manifestations of COVID-19. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2020; 36 (4):435-442. [2]Zacharias H, Dubey S, Koduri G, D’Cruz D. Rheumatological complications of Covid 19. Autoimmun Rev. 2021; 20 (9):102883. Disclosure of Interests None declared
RNA Helicase DDX24 Stabilizes LAMB1 to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Tianze Liu, Hairun Gan, Simeng He, Jia Deng, Xinyan Hu, Luting Li, Li Cai, Jianzhong He, Haoyu Long, Jianxun Cai, Hanjie Li, Qianqian Zhang, Lijie Wang, Fangbin Chen, Yuming Chen, Haopei Zhang, Jian Li, Lukun Yang, Ye Liu, Jian-Hua Yang, Dong-Ming Kuang, Pengfei Pang, Huanhuan He, Hong Shan
Journal: Cancer Research (2022)

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of this disease could provide new therapeutic strategies for treating HCC. Here, we identified a novel role of DEAD-box helicase 24 (DDX24), a member of the DEAD-box protein family, in promoting HCC progression. DDX24 levels were significantly elevated in HCC tissues and were associated with poor prognosis of HCC. Overexpression of DDX24 promoted HCC migration and proliferation in vitro and in vivo, whereas suppression of DDX24 inhibited both functions. Mechanistically, DDX24 bound the mRNA618–624nt of laminin subunit beta 1 (LAMB1) and increased its stability in a manner dependent upon the interaction between nucleolin and the C-terminal region of DDX24. Moreover, regulatory factor X8 (RFX8) was identified as a DDX24 promoter-binding protein that transcriptionally upregulated DDX24 expression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the RFX8/DDX24/LAMB1 axis promotes HCC progression, providing potential therapeutic targets for HCC. Significance: The identification of a tumor-promoting role of DDX24 and the elucidation of the underlying regulatory mechanism provide potential prognostic indicators and therapeutic approaches to help improve the outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
POS1133 IRISIN LEVELS IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS ARE RELATED TO GENDER, OBESITY AND LOCAL INFLAMMATION
Authors: C. Orellana, M. Rusiñol, E. Costa Moya, J. Calvet, S. Garcia-Cirera, M. Garcia Manrique de Lara, C. Galisteo, J. Gratacos-Masmitja
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Irisin is a myokine synthesized mainly in skeletal muscle with exercise, although its secretion has also been observed in other tissues such as adipose and has been related to obesity and other metabolic alterations. Although obesity and other metabolic factors are risk factors for knee osteoarthritis and patients with this condition often do less exercise and have poor muscular state, irisin has been poorly studied. Objectives To measure irisin levels in synovial fluid and plasma and evaluate their relationship with clinical severity and inflammation parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Patients with symptomatic and radiographical osteoarthritis were studied. Demographic and anthropometric variables, Kellgren-Lawrence scale radiographic stage, the presence of synovial fluid and hypertrophy on ultrasound (at medial patellar line), clinical severity by Lequesne algofunctional index and physical exercise level were recorded. Levels of irisin, IL-6, TNF and hs-PCR were determined using ELISA. Results We included 168 women (age 69 ±1.5 y, symptoms duration 48 ±3 m) and 31 men (age 66.5 ±4 y, symptoms duration 36 ±12 m). Significantly higher levels of irisin in synovial fluid were observed in women who did not perform any physical exercise compared to those who did exercise sporadically or regularly (p.0.05), while in plasma a non-significant trend was observed. A weakly positive correlation between intraarticular levels (r= 0.17, p .0.05) and plasma levels (r= 0.16, p. 0.05) of irisin and Lequesne index in women was also evidenced. Regarding inflammatory parameters, in female patients the synovial levels of irisin presented a weak positive correlation with the synovial levels of IL-6 (r= 0.18, p&lt; 0.05) but not in plasma; an association was also found in women between synovial levels of irisin and synovial fluid &gt;8 mm and severe synovial hypertrophy (p&lt;0.05) in women, but not with plasma levels. All significant associations disappeared when adjusting by IMC except in the case of synovial hypertrophy. No statistically significant results were obtained in men. Conclusion Levels of irisin are related to gender and obesity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, the association with the intraarticular levels of IL-6 and the synovial hypertrophy could point to a possible local inflammatory effect at intraarticular level. Disclosure of Interests None declared
AB0714 Low bone mineral density and increased frequency of osteoporosis in patients with systemic sclerosis – A case-control study
Authors: K. Lillpers, K. Andréasson, F. Mcguigan, K. Åkesson, R. Hesselstrand
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular involvement. Osteoporosis, as a comorbidity among patients with systemic sclerosis is poorly described. Objectives The aim of this cross sectional case-control study was to investigate bone mineral density and prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to controls. Methods We included 211 patients, 182 females and 29 males, with systemic sclerosis and 506 controls, individually matched for age and sex and from the same catchment area in the very south of Sweden. All participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm 2 ) and T-score were measured in lumbar spine L1-L4 and total hip. For patients, disease characteristics were obtained. Students T-test, one-way ANOVA or Chi-square test were used to compare groups and Pearson´s test for correlations. Osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) and osteopenia (T-score -1.0‒ -2.5) were defined using WHOs definitions. Results Systemic sclerosis patients had a mean (SD) age of 61.5 (13.5) and a mean (SD) disease duration from diagnosis of 9.2 (8.0) years. BMD (g/cm 2 ) was significantly lower in patients compared to controls: Total hip (SD) 0.874 (0.147) vs 0.941 (0.145) (p=&lt;0.0001); lumbar spine 1.089 (0.170) vs 1.126 (0.195) (p=0.015). Total hip mean T-score difference between groups was -0.52 (95 % CI -0.67‒ -0.34). The frequency of osteoporosis was 14.7% vs 9.7% and of osteopenia 51.2% vs 41.2% in patients compared with controls (p=0.001). Only one (3.4%) of the male patients had osteoporosis but nearly half of them had osteopenia. In patients, we evaluated vascular features. Those with telangiectasias had lower total hip BMD than those without (p=0.026). Among patients with early disease (&lt;2 years), a higher total hip BMD was observed compared to patients with longer disease duration (p=0.001). The difference was not seen in spine BMD. Features of fibrosis were not associated with BMD, ie there were no difference in BMD between patients with diffuse or limited disease or antibody status. Conclusion Patients with systemic sclerosis have lower BMD and osteoporosis is more frequent than among control s matched for age and sex. Disclosure of Interests None declared
AB1031 PREVALENCE OF GLUCOCORTICOID INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS IN AFRICAN ADULT PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RHEUMATIC DISEASES. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.
Authors: I. Hmamouchi, F. Paruk, S. A. A. Tabra, K. Maatallah, A. Bouziane, R. Abouqal, Y. El Miedany, A. EL Maghraoui, A. A. Kalla
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Glucocorticoid (GC) use is well established in the treatment of rheumatics diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The use of low dose GC has been endorsed by EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases even if in the context of SARS-CoV-2, but long-term use is generally discouraged. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of glucocorticosteroids induced osteoporosis (GIOP) on bone mineral density (BMD) in African adult patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and African index medicus were systematically searched up to December 2020 without language restrictions. We included studies as follows: population-based or hospital-based study, study with sufficient information to estimate the prevalence of GIOP and osteoporotic fractures in African patients with rheumatic disease. Searches were limited to peer-reviewed full text articles. A standardized data extraction form was used to collect information from eligible studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to obtain the pooled prevalence of GIOP in these studies. The meta-analysis was stratified by geographical region. The study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021256252. Results Our search identified 8571 studies, of which 8 studies were included in the systematic review from only four African countries and 7 studies in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of osteoporotic fractures in our study was 47.7% (95% CI 32.9–62.8) with 52.2% (95% CI 36.5-67.6) in North Africa and 15.4% (95% 1.9-45.4%) in South Africa (SA). There was no evidence of publication bias, although heterogeneity was high (p=0.018). There was no data from sub-Saharan Africa apart from the two studies from SA. Conclusion The overall prevalence of GIOP in African adult patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases was high at 47.7% (95% CI 32.9–62.8). Meta-analysis calculation revealed patient geographic origin as possible confounding factors of the proportion outcomes and further studies are required. References [1]Landewé RB, Machado PM, Kroon F, et al. EULAR provisional recommendations for the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the context of SARS-CoV-2Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2020;79:851-858. Disclosure of Interests None declared
POS0921 DIGITAL GANGRENE IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: AUTOLOGOUS FAT GRAFTING AND BONE SHAVING TO AVOID AMPUTATION
Authors: M. Starnoni, A. Spinella, R. Feminò, M. De Pinto, M. Dominici, G. De Santis, C. Salvarani, D. Giuggioli
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by microvascular dysfunction, abnormal fibroblast activation and antibodies production, with cutaneous and visceral involvement. Hand-related manifestations include sclerosis, loss of elasticity, sclerodactyly, painful digital ulcers, atrophy, and gangrene. Autologous fat grafting is based on the implantation of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSCs) which have demonstrated to have pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and immunosuppressive properties. This technique, combined with bone shaving, is believed to be effective in avoiding finger amputation in SSc-patients affected by digital gangrene. Objectives Evaluate our experience with the use of autologous fat grafting and bone shaving for the treatment of digital necrosis in patients affected by SSc. Methods According to our schedule, we treated 7 female SSc patients with digital gangrene and exposed bone at the fingertips, enrolled in our University Hospital from March 2018 to January 2020. Digital gangrene was treated by a combination of bone shaving and autologous fat grafting in order to avoid amputation. During the bone shaving, necrotic tissue was removed until bone bleeding was obtained. This procedure could be repeated by trained rheumatologists every 2 weeks in our Clinic. The aim of this repeated debridement was to promote the progression of the granulation tissue inside the dead tissue of the finger. Autologous fat grafting consists of a surgical procedure of ADSCs implantation at the base of the finger. It is performed in order to empower the neurovascular bundle and improve tissue healing. This treatment could be performed every 3 months by trained plastic surgeons. The combination of these two techniques allows the maximum finger length preservation. Results Complete healing of all fingers was achieved in 6-12 months by performing bone shaving every 2 weeks and 2 treatments of autologous fat grafting. Results have proved to be long-lasting. At 1-year follow-up, patients did not present any recurrence. Every procedure was performed under local anaesthesia and appropriate analgesic therapy. A high degree of compliance and satisfaction of all patients was noted. Conclusion Finger amputation in Systemic Sclerosis should be avoided. This traumatic surgical procedure is responsible for microvascular damages worsening SSc-related vasculopathy. Stump ulcers often occurs and wound healing usually takes place by secondary intention. In our experience, the combination of bone shaving and autologous fat grafting has proven to be effective and safe in preserving the maximum amount of viable tissue and obtaining a long-lasting result in treated SSc patients. Disclosure of Interests None declared
City-level impact of extreme temperatures and mortality in Latin America
Authors: Josiah L. Kephart, Brisa N. Sánchez, Jeffrey Moore, Leah H. Schinasi, Maryia Bakhtsiyarava, Yang Ju, Nelson Gouveia, Waleska T. Caiaffa, Iryna Dronova, Saravanan Arunachalam, Ana V. Diez Roux, Daniel A. Rodríguez
Journal: Nature Medicine (2022)

Climate change and urbanization are rapidly increasing human exposure to extreme ambient temperatures, yet few studies have examined temperature and mortality in Latin America. We conducted a nonlinear, distributed-lag, longitudinal analysis of daily ambient temperatures and mortality among 326 Latin American cities between 2002 and 2015. We observed 15,431,532 deaths among ≈2.9 billion person-years of risk. The excess death fraction of total deaths was 0.67% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.74%) for heat-related deaths and 5.09% (95% CI 4.64-5.47%) for cold-related deaths. The relative risk of death was 1.057 (95% CI 1.046-1.067%) per 1 °C higher temperature during extreme heat and 1.034 (95% CI 1.028-1.040%) per 1 °C lower temperature during extreme cold. In Latin American cities, a substantial proportion of deaths is attributable to nonoptimal ambient temperatures. Marginal increases in observed hot temperatures are associated with steep increases in mortality risk. These risks were strongest among older adults and for cardiovascular and respiratory deaths.
Improvement of Facial Discoid Dermatosis With Ustekinumab Treatment
Authors: Katelyn J. Rypka, Travis S. Fulk, Alavi Afsaneh, Daniel D. Miller, Noah I. Goldfarb
Journal: JAMA Dermatology (2022)

This case report describes a woman in her early 40s with a 10-year history of facial rash; multiple well-demarcated, orangish-pink, flat-topped papules; and plaques with fine scale that involved the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck.
AB0934 Does the severity of psoriasis impact on psoriatic arthritis activity? Data from rheumatological clinical practice
Authors: M. Chamurlieva, E. Loginova, T. Korotaeva, Y. Korsakova, E. Gubar, L. Vorobyova, P. Tremaskina, S. Glukhova, A. Lila, I. Patrikeeva, P. Shesternya
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, musculoskeletal inflammatory disease that develops in up to 30% of patients (pts) with psoriasis (PsO). There are conflicting data about correlations between skin and joint severity from the observational cohort [1, 2]. But it’s very important for clinical phenotyping and treatment PsA pts. Objectives to evaluate association between PsO severity and PsA activity. Methods 778 (M/F=357/421) PsA pts fulfilling the CASPAR criteria were included into Russian rheumatological observational cohort. Mean age 46.7±13 years (yrs), DAPSA 29.05±19.7, CRP - 15.3±23 mg/l, SJC/66 - 6.6±7.5, TJC/68 – 10.6±10.2, LEI – 1.06±1.4. All pts underwent standard clinical examination: tender joins count (TJC)/68, swelling joints count (SJC)/66, CRP (mg/l), DAPSA, dactylitis, enthesitis by LEI, nail/skin PsO was evaluated. All pts were divided in two groups based on BSA≤3% (mild PsO) and BSA&gt;3% (moderate/severe). M±SD, Me [Q25; Q75], Min-Max, %, t-test, Pierson-χ2, Manna-Whitney tests, ORs with 95% CI were performed. All p&lt;0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results BSA≤3% was found in 427 out of 778 pts (54.9%), BSA&gt;3% in 352 pts out of 778 (45.2%). Nail PsO were seen in 258 out of 778 (33.2%). Among these pts with BSA&gt;3% nail PsO were seen in significantly more cases - 135 out of 258 pts (52.3%) (p=0.03). In pts with BSA&gt;3% all parameters of PsA activity (DAPSA, SJC, TJC, CRP) was significantly higher compare to pts with BSA≤3% (for all p&lt;0.0001). The one-factor model of logistic regression shown that PsO severity significantly associated with nail PsO, higher PsA activity by DAPSA, CRP, SJC, TJC and smoking (OR analysis with CI 95% for all parametres are shown on Figure 1). Figure 1. Forest plot of factors associated with psoriasis severity in PsA pts. Conclusion In our observational cohort about half of PsA pts had severe PsO. Skin severity associated with higher PsA activity. It should be taken into account for choice of properly treatment both for skin and joint in clinical practice. References [1]Mease PJ, etzel cJ, Huster WJ, et al. Understanding the association between skin involvement and joint activity in patients with psoriatic arthritis: experience from the corrona registry. RMD Open 2019;5:e000867. doi:10.1136/ rmdopen-2018-000867. [2]Gottlieb AB, Mease PJ, Mark Jackson J, et al. Clinical characteristics of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis in dermatologists’ offices. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2006;17:279–87. Acknowledgements The RU-PsART study group Disclosure of Interests None declared